Deputy Chief Ray Hensley of the Sedgwick County Fire District delivered a brief holiday safety announcement urging residents to avoid decorating at heights.

Hensley said nearly 15,000 Americans visit emergency rooms each year with injuries related to putting up Christmas decorations and identified falls from ladders or rooftops as the most common cause. He recommended decorating only lower levels of homes and yards or hiring a professional to place lights on roofs and trees, saying the cost could prevent a hospital trip and make the holidays safer.

Hensley directed listeners to the Sedgwick County Fire District website for more safety information.